Short term remote working for a corporate company
May 13th 2018, 8:14 pm
#1
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Joined: May 2018
Posts: 10
Short term remote working for a corporate company
Hi guys,
I am brand new to the forum! I joined because I need some advice on short term work permits in different countries in the US.
I am a Management Consultant and work in a global company with offices around the world. I have been really keen on spending some time abroad (6 months to 1 year) and experiencing different cultures, and so I spoke to my manager to see what options I had within the company. One option was a sabbatical which I'm exploring but the more attractive option for me is the offer of continuing to work for my UK team but no longer on client facing work, and working remotely from another office.
This is a great option for me because in theory, it gives me the option to work in any city I want where we have an office, in theory. If I was going for a year, I would love to split the time between Singapore, Sydney and San Diego.
My manager is open to this but doesn't know how it would work in terms of work permits. In theory I thought it shouldn't be a problem as I'm still working for the UK business and being paid in my UK bank account. All I'm doing is taking my laptop and getting on a flight and logging on from another country for a few months. She has spoken to HR who have taken it up with the global mobility team, but seems like there may be some visa/work permit implications. Even though they should be sorting out, I want to make sure I have as much information as possible from my side.
Has anyone done something similar to this/know of the rules and regulations relating to visas for this situations for the US?
Many thanks
I am brand new to the forum! I joined because I need some advice on short term work permits in different countries in the US.
I am a Management Consultant and work in a global company with offices around the world. I have been really keen on spending some time abroad (6 months to 1 year) and experiencing different cultures, and so I spoke to my manager to see what options I had within the company. One option was a sabbatical which I'm exploring but the more attractive option for me is the offer of continuing to work for my UK team but no longer on client facing work, and working remotely from another office.
This is a great option for me because in theory, it gives me the option to work in any city I want where we have an office, in theory. If I was going for a year, I would love to split the time between Singapore, Sydney and San Diego.
My manager is open to this but doesn't know how it would work in terms of work permits. In theory I thought it shouldn't be a problem as I'm still working for the UK business and being paid in my UK bank account. All I'm doing is taking my laptop and getting on a flight and logging on from another country for a few months. She has spoken to HR who have taken it up with the global mobility team, but seems like there may be some visa/work permit implications. Even though they should be sorting out, I want to make sure I have as much information as possible from my side.
Has anyone done something similar to this/know of the rules and regulations relating to visas for this situations for the US?
Many thanks
May 13th 2018, 9:42 pm
#2
Deep in the woods of CT
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 7,002
Re: Short term remote working for a corporate company
My manager is open to this but doesn't know how it would work in terms of work permits. In theory I thought it shouldn't be a problem as I'm still working for the UK business and being paid in my UK bank account. All I'm doing is taking my laptop and getting on a flight and logging on from another country for a few months. She has spoken to HR who have taken it up with the global mobility team, but seems like there may be some visa/work permit implications. Even though they should be sorting out, I want to make sure I have as much information as possible from my side.
Many thanks
(reposted because I messed up the quote)
May 14th 2018, 4:07 am
#5
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Joined: Feb 2010
Location: Los Angeles, California
Posts: 8,424
Re: Short term remote working for a corporate company
The definition of "doing business" for the purposes of a B-1 business visa can be a tad fuzzy. A legal consultation with an experienced immigration lawyer might be in order. I sense possibilities in the limited iformation provided.
May 14th 2018, 8:49 am
#6
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Re: Short term remote working for a corporate company
thanks guys that's really helpful. seems like the L visa may be the best bet for me i guess, but i can imagine it'll be a hassle for them to take me on the payroll for just 3 months
May 14th 2018, 9:05 am
#7
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Re: Short term remote working for a corporate company
I'd concentrate on Sydney/Singapore if they are easier (no idea if they are or if you'd still need a work permit for those locations too). Any other offices you could consider? Canada would let you work remotely without needing a work permit usually, and of course the EU is open to you at the moment, no visa hassles there.
May 14th 2018, 9:08 am
#8
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Re: Short term remote working for a corporate company
that's true, may look at Vancouver if we have an office there. i was hoping for San Diego as I love California and I am beach person. Worst comes to worst I can just take some time off and spend it there
May 14th 2018, 4:46 pm
#9
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Joined: Jun 2017
Posts: 10
Re: Short term remote working for a corporate company
For Singapore you will need an employment pass which also needs to be sponsored by the company and has very strict requirements in terms of minimum salary in local currency. Furthermore, most global companies have a limited number of employment passes they can request and most large global management consultancies (I worked at one of them in Singapore as a transferee from the UK for 5 years until last year) are very actively trying to reduce the number of people on employment passes.
Also think about where you will live. Singapore doesn’t allow short term rentals (in theory Airbnb is illegal) under 12 months, and you need to show your employment pass to get a lease. The only legal exceptions are serviced apartments, which are pricey.
I have just moved to the US now (having gone through the full visa process) and I honestly think Singapore in the current climate for foreign talent is even more difficult in many ways.
I am sorry as I know it sucks, I have relocated myself from Europe to Singapore and from Europe to US and the amount of barriers and paperwork have been incredible. And that is before you even start thinking about taxes etc. I have also been in a position at a global management consultancy where I wanted to bring and sponsor certain talent to another country (Singapore and other) and have also many times struggled and not been able to do so despite business need and sponsorship etc.
Also think about where you will live. Singapore doesn’t allow short term rentals (in theory Airbnb is illegal) under 12 months, and you need to show your employment pass to get a lease. The only legal exceptions are serviced apartments, which are pricey.
I have just moved to the US now (having gone through the full visa process) and I honestly think Singapore in the current climate for foreign talent is even more difficult in many ways.
I am sorry as I know it sucks, I have relocated myself from Europe to Singapore and from Europe to US and the amount of barriers and paperwork have been incredible. And that is before you even start thinking about taxes etc. I have also been in a position at a global management consultancy where I wanted to bring and sponsor certain talent to another country (Singapore and other) and have also many times struggled and not been able to do so despite business need and sponsorship etc.
May 14th 2018, 5:55 pm
#10
Lost in BE Cyberspace
Joined: May 2010
Location: San Diego, California
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Re: Short term remote working for a corporate company
You won't get an L1 visa for a short term stay. L1's are provided for folks with lots of experience in their current company and who are being moved to take on high level. long term management/executive positions.
May 14th 2018, 6:25 pm
#11
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Re: Short term remote working for a corporate company
* - might take 30 minutes, or might take 4 hours depending on border traffic.
May 14th 2018, 10:27 pm
#12
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